Speaking to a French publication, France’s President Emmanuel Macron urged Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to step down peacefully before more chaos erupts in his country.
Belarus has been embodied in protests since Lukashenko claimed victory in last month’s election-- stretching his time in office to six terms. But Belarusian’s dispute the results, which saw Lukashenko win more than 80% of the vote, calling them rigged and corrupt.
“It is a crisis of power, an authoritarian power that cannot accept the logic of democracy and which is hanging on by force. It is clear that Lukashenko has to go,” Macron said.
Despite rebuke from the EU and Belarusian’s, Lukashenko has remained unwavering in his commitment to rule. Following his controversial victory, the Belarusian leader held a secret inauguration.
Lukashenko has also launched a crackdown against opposition leaders and protesters. An estimated total of 12,000 people have been arrested.
“They know the risks they are taking by demonstrating every weekend, and yet, they are pushing forward with the movement to make democracy come alive in this country that has been deprived of it for so long,” Macron said.
Lukashenko took aim at foreign states, rebuking their interference in Belarusian affairs, during his speech at last week's UN General Assembly meeting, saying “We are seeing attempts to destabilize the situation in the country. Later adding, “Interference in our internal affairs, sanctions and other restrictions on Belarus will have the opposite effect, and are harmful for absolutely everyone.”
By: Niza Nondo
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